Wood fires do not burn cleanly. When wood burns, it releases a host of contaminants that coat the inside of the chimney. Creosote, an oily, black substance, is one byproduct of wood-burning fires. Creosote forms as a result of gases that have not fully combusted, and it condenses on the inside of the chimney and remains until removed. Burning green or unseasoned wood hastens creosote build-up. Also, organic, flammable debris can enter the chimney, brought by the elements or by animals. Wind can deposit leaves and twigs in chimneys lacking flue caps. Birds and vermin can nest in chimneys or otherwise bring unwanted materials. Chimney fires begin with snaps and pops as loud as gunshots, progressing to a deep, rumbling sound. Oily, black, flaming creosote rains down into the firebox. When the fire starts, it starts like an explosion. Flames blast out of the top of the chimney and back down into the firebox. Due to thermal expansion, the flue may crack at some unreachable mid-point and shoot flames into the walls from the inside. Chimney fires typically cannot be controlled by the homeowner. Because firefighters have to shoot water from the top downward, the house suffers damage from flooding. In many cases, the entire house is lost.

Your dryer vents may be easy to forget, but cleaning them regularly is an important part of ensuring that your home is clean and safe for your entire family. Some of the warning signs that your dryer vent may be blocked or obstructed include:

• Excess lint behind the dryer
• Clothes taking longer to dry
• No lint on the lint screen
• Excess lint or pet hair on clothing
• Lint around the door seal
• Unusually hot dryer and clothing
• Moldy smell

There are risks with ignoring these warning signs and not properly cleaning dryer vents. These risks include:

• Home fire – the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) warns that malfunctioning or poorly maintained clothes dryers and washing machines are one of the leading causes of home fires
• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning – gas dryers where the vents are blocked, obstructed or not properly maintained can cause carbon monoxide to build up in the home
• Mold Growth – blocked or obstructed dryer vents can’t effectively remove moisture as designed, causing moisture to be released into the home and possibly resulting in mold growth